'Power Play' is out in theatres, clashing with several other movies this week. Since the movie is a political-crime thriller, a section of the audience have waited for it. In this section, we are going to review the movie.
Story
Vijay (Raj Tharun), a commoner who is about to land a government job, is in love with Keerthy (Hemal Ingle). Just as they are about to take their relationship to the next level, Vijay gets framed in a counterfeit currency scam. Despite his innocence, the long arm of the law seeks to chase him. Can he prove his innocence? Who are the culprits behind his problems? Answers to these and other questions are found in the second half.
Performances
Raj Tharun gets rid of the 'lover boy' image for this film. Whether he will continue to be the 'Orey Bujjiga' of Telugu cinema is beside the point for now. The young actor has at least made an attempt to salvage his image. Poorna gives an impressive performance where she has to emote without uttering a word. Ajay is good in a negative role.
The film has an ensemble cast, with Kota Srinivasa Rao, Prince, Raja Ravindra and Pooja Ramchandran playing different roles.
Technical aspects
Suresh Bobbili's background music is apt. I Andrew's cinematography could have been better. Prawin Pudi's editing and Real Satish's fights make a mark.
Analysis
Just recently, we saw in 'Naandhi' how a common innocent man gets embroiled in a crime and suffers for five years. 'Power Play' has a similar premise, but it doesn't commit itself to grittiness. It's a thriller with its share of twists and turns, unlike the straightforward 'Naandhi'.
In films like this, the male protagonist is an underdog who decides to unravel things that are beyond his control. How Raj Tharun's character fares in this mission are the crux of the second half.
The scenes involving Poorna's character could have been better. For a Chief Ministerial aspirant, her scenes lack tightness.
Thrillers require a certain knack, something director Vijay Kumar Konda seems to lack here. Audiences are getting to watch all sub-genres among thrillers these days. One has to be clever to impress them.
The interval bang could have been handled better.
The second half narrates the main part of the story. The telling should have been clear and crisp.
Closing Remarks
'Power Play' should have been a gripping thriller. It doesn't realize its potential.
